"Mr. Alexander, we’ve already prepared the finest, most docile horses for your party."

The club manager scurried over, his face plastered with an obsequious grin the moment the four of them stepped out of the car.

Evangeline Montgomery glanced at the man beside her, brows furrowed. "When did you book this?"

"Oh, no, no! No appointment necessary," the manager stammered, shaking his head frantically.

Marcellus Alexander chuckled, offering a simple explanation: "Because this place belongs to us."

"Wow, your business empire really is everywhere, isn't it?"

Watching Remi Crawford’s eyes turn into literal heart emojis, Damian Spencer felt a surge of professional jealousy. "Remi, my reach is broad too! Plus, my line of work serves the country and improves lives!"

"Sure, you’re impressive too!" Remi gave him an encouraging thumbs-up.

Damian beamed, tossing a smug chin-tilt toward Marcellus.

Marcellus shot him a look of pure disdain. "Childish. If you had a tail, it would be wagging like a propeller right now."

"Tsk! Such a sharp tongue—must be miserable living with that attitude, huh?"

Evangeline and Remi caught each other’s eyes. They simultaneously slipped their arms out from their partners’ grips, linking arms to drift a few paces ahead, sinking into hushed tones.

"Did you ever know Dr. Spencer was this... well..." Remi gestured vaguely, her face twisted in a look of profound disbelief.

Evangeline followed her gaze, shaking her head. Back in the day, he’d played the role of the brooding, psychotic captor—a man so cold he’d chilled her to the bone. She couldn’t help but make a clicking sound of dissatisfaction with her tongue.

"What are you two whispering about?"

Remi laughed awkwardly. "Nothing! Come on, let’s go. I’m dying to get on a horse."

After changing into their riding gear, the group followed the manager to the stables, where staff were already waiting with the horses. Remi sprinted toward the animals, her eyes scanning each one with excitement.

"Evangeline, look at this chestnut one! He’s so handsome. I want him!"

"His coat is glossy, his posture is regal—he really is a stunner."

Remi took the reins from a groom and swung into the saddle with an effortless grace that made Damian turn pale.

"Remi, wait! Let's ride the same horse!"

"Not a chance!"

Remi gave a light kick to the horse's flanks, and they took off, galloping with a wild, infectious energy.

Evangeline turned to the shell-shocked Damian. "Don't worry, Dr. Spencer. Remi is an excellent rider."

She picked out a sleek black horse, mounted with practiced ease, and stroked its mane. "Take care of me, little speedster."

Marcellus watched her, his gaze softening into pure adoration as he mounted his own horse to give chase.

The horses tore across the track, their riders leaning into the wind. The physical exertion stripped away their stress, leaving nothing behind but the sharp, exhilarating thrill of the ride.

"Whoo-hoo!" Remi whipped her reins, pushing for more speed.

"Remi, slow down!" Damian’s frantic cries were swallowed by the wind, completely ignored by the woman lost in the rush.

Evangeline kept her horse at a steady, rhythmic trot, with Marcellus hovering nearby, a constant, watchful presence.

After thirty minutes of high-speed riding, Remi’s mount finally slowed, its heavy breathing signaling it needed water and rest. Reluctantly, she handed the reins to a staff member.

"Remi, watching you ride nearly gave me a heart attack."

"Oh please, was it me, or were you just bouncing around like a sack of potatoes?"

Damian pulled out a tissue, gently dabbing the sweat from her forehead. Her eyes still sparkled with an unspent intensity, her cheeks flushed, breathing coming in ragged, heated gasps. The raw, athletic pheromones she radiated were enough to make Damian’s head spin. He grabbed her hand and led her to a secluded corner, possessively shielding her from the gaze of others.

"Rest here."

"But I want to go over there for water."

"You sit. I’ll go get it."

Remi watched him jog away, muttering, "What a weirdo."

Back in the shade, Evangeline rested a hand on her hip, a faint frown creasing her brow.

"What's wrong? Your back?"

She gave a small nod. "A bit sore from the bouncing. Just a dull ache."

"Then we’re done."

"It’s fine. I promised Remi we’d help her blow off some steam. We’ll go back once she’s had her fill."

Marcellus scrutinized her face closely until he was certain the discomfort was minor, only then letting out a relieved breath.

There was a twelve-mile ring-track ahead that simulated an open-country trail, ending back where they started. The scenery was breathtaking.

Remi was already impatient, so they set off again, with two trainers tailing the group for safety. The path was lined with lush, towering trees, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and greenery. It wasn't a place for reckless galloping, but the leisurely trot through the blooming flora had its own refined charm.

"I feel like a wanderer heading for the horizon," Remi mused.

"If that’s what you want, we can wander anywhere you like," Damian replied.

Remi tilted her chin. "Someone’s already promised to take me."

"Who?!"

"Me, obviously. Dr. Spencer and I have a dream: take our company, C&R Atelier, to the top, and then travel the world."

"And if you two are off traveling the world, what happens to me and Damian?"

Evangeline offered a sheepish, awkward grin to the man beside her. "Heh... I’ll come back to visit you."

The moment those words left her lips, Marcellus’s expression darkened visibly.

Evangeline’s internal alarm bells went off. "I was joking! I’ll bring you with us, okay?"

"Evangeline Montgomery! Your future plans don't include me?"

"Nonsense! That was just some spur-of-the-moment bragging. Nothing is set in stone. No matter where we go or what we do, you’re always my first priority."

"Honestly, Marcellus, look at you—you’ve scared the poor woman to death."

Marcellus shot Damian a cold look, then leaned over and gave the back of Damian’s horse a sharp, sudden smack.

"Ah—! Marcellus, you dog! Are you trying to kill me?"

Damian’s shouting faded into the distance. Marcellus, trailing behind with Evangeline, wore a smug, cunning smile.

Ten minutes later, they found Damian’s horse tied to the roadside. Remi dismounted to find him.

They were near a small ridge overlooking a pond, where Damian was lounging on the grass, looking entirely too relaxed. Remi sat down beside him, bracing her arms behind her and leaning back to soak in the breeze.

"This is so peaceful."

It was the true magic of nature—the way every shred of stress simply dissolved into the wind.

Damian pulled her into his arms. "One day, I’ll find a place like this, nestled against the hills and water. We’ll build a home there. What do you think?"

Remi looked at him, catching the raw, tender devotion in his eyes. Without a word, they leaned into each other, their lips meeting in a natural, seamless kiss.

Evangeline watched from a distance, covering her mouth to stifle a giggle. "So sweet."

"We can be just as sweet."

Marcellus pulled her waist into his side, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Yes, Marcellus. It’s good to know I have you for the rest of my life."

They shared a look, their fingers interlacing as they strolled down the path. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the air, leaving not a single speck of dust in their path.